How Well do You Train Your Trainers?
On-the-job training (OJT) can have a significant impact on an organization's recruitment, retention, and overall performance. On-the-Job Training (OJT) is a valuable training method that provides employees with practical, hands-on experience while they perform their actual job duties. It helps improve job skills and knowledge by integrating training directly into the work environment.
Here are some ways in which OJT can positively affect these areas:
Attracting top talent through robust training programs
One of the significant advantages of OJT is the opportunity to create and promote robust training programs that attract top talent. A comprehensive training program signals to potential employees that the company is committed to their professional development and values their growth. Being offered the chance to learn and grow in different areas of the organization can be enticing for candidates, especially those who are looking for growth potential in a new role.
Improving employee satisfaction and engagement
Providing effective on-the-job training can improve employee satisfaction and engagement. By giving employees the necessary training to perform their jobs effectively, they feel more confident and capable of doing their work—a sense of satisfaction that can lead to increased loyalty and commitment to the organization. Engaged employees are also more likely to remain productive, committed, and loyal to the organization, fostering a positive work culture and increasing employee retention rates.
Enhancing overall organizational performance
Finally, OJT can have a significant impact on organizational performance. By focusing on developing the skills and knowledge of employees, organizations can increase productivity, safety, and efficiency. When employees feel confident and skilled in their job roles, they are more likely to meet or exceed expectations, improving overall performance. With increased performance comes the potential for greater returns on investment due to minimized costs associated with errors, rework, and lower productivity levels.
The Quality Coach can help you train your trainers, those who train new and current employees on their jobs. Below are key components:
Adult Learning Styles: Adults have different learning styles, including visual, auditory, and kinesthetic. It's important to consider these different styles when designing and delivering training programs to ensure maximum engagement and knowledge retention.
Adult Learner Characteristics: Adult learners are typically self-directed, motivated by relevancy, and have accumulated life experiences that can influence their learning. Recognizing and incorporating these characteristics into training programs can enhance their effectiveness.
Trainer Responsibilities: Trainers have various responsibilities, including designing and delivering training programs, assessing participants' progress, providing feedback, and adapting training methods to meet individual needs. They also play an essential role in creating a positive and supportive learning environment.
Effective Communication: Effective communication is crucial in training. It involves using clear and concise language, active listening, asking open-ended questions, and providing feedback to ensure understanding and engagement.
Elements of Communication: Communication involves verbal and non-verbal aspects such as tone of voice, body language, and choice of words. Understanding and effectively utilizing these elements can greatly enhance the training experience.
High Gain Questions: High gain questions are open-ended questions that encourage critical thinking and deeper reflection. They help stimulate discussion, promote problem-solving, and enhance learning outcomes.
Human Business Model: The human business model emphasizes the importance of empathy and emotional intelligence in the workplace. It focuses on building positive relationships, understanding individual needs, and fostering a supportive environment.
Empathy Techniques: Empathy techniques involve understanding and sharing another person's emotions and perspectives. Techniques such as active listening, perspective-taking, and showing genuine concern can enhance communication and foster a supportive learning environment.
Echo Observe Empathy: Echo observe empathy is a technique where the trainer reflects and acknowledges the trainee's feelings and experiences. It helps create a safe and empathetic space for learning and encourages open dialogue.
Preventing OJT issues requires identifying potential challenges that may arise during the training process. Here are some common challenges that organizations may face while implementing OJT and proactive measures to mitigate them.
Identifying potential challenges:
Inadequate Supervision: The lack of proper supervision during training can result in error repetition, lack of motivation, and poor training quality.
Inconsistent Training: Inconsistent training may result in dissatisfied employees, an unsafe work environment, high turnover, and poor performance.
Over-reliance on Experienced Employees: Overusing experienced employees as trainers may lead to a lack of innovation, inconsistency, delegation issues, and negatively impact team cohesion.
Insufficient Training Materials: Insufficient training materials or poor quality training materials may result in higher skill gaps, low competency, inefficiency, and low employee engagement.
Lack of Feedback: Lack of feedback from trainers or peers can lead to a lack of skill development, poor performance, demotivation, and low confidence.
By proactively identifying potential issues and addressing them before they occur, organizations can promote a positive training environment, increase employee engagement, and ensure a successful OJT program.
Overall, the impact of OJT on recruitment, retention, and performance can be seen as an essential element in achieving organizational goals. Robust OJT programs can help employers attract the best candidates for the job, retain top talent, and promote a culture of ongoing learning and professional development. At the same time, effective OJT can lead to increased employee satisfaction and engagement levels, which contribute to a more productive and efficient workforce. The Quality Coach® works with all types of organizations to implement a robust OJT Train the Trainer program. Reach out today if you are looking for a Train the Trainer program that includes all the right elements for success.
About the Author, Coach Amy Eagan:
Amy Eagan is the Learning Specialist- Research and Resources at The Quality Coach®. Amy received her Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of Missouri- Columbia. Amy has extensive experience in logisitics and sales, working as the Director of Supply Chain Operations & National Accounts Sales Team Leader at Nestle Purina Petcare Company. Amy also served as the Transportation Manager at Kraft Foods Group. Amy partners with clients as a TQC Coach/Learning Facilitator and is DISC and EQ certified. Amy loves working at TQC because of the people she meets, conversations she has, and how we help each other live our best lives!